Hemilepidotus
Hemilepidotus is a genus of fish in the family Cottidae, commonly known as sculpins. They are found in the northern Pacific Ocean, ranging from Japan to Alaska and down to California. These fish are typically bottom-dwelling and can be found in a variety of habitats, including rocky shores, kelp forests, and sandy bottoms. They are known for their distinctive appearance, with a flattened body, a large head, and a prominent dorsal fin. There are currently seven recognized species in the genus Hemilepidotus.
Common Names
Hemilepidotus species are commonly referred to as "sculpins," a name that is used for many fish in the family Cottidae. Some specific common names include:
- Bighead sculpin (Hemilepidotus gigas)
- Shortbelly sculpin (Hemilepidotus hemilepidotus)
- Copper rockfish (Hemilepidotus jordani)
- Northern rockfish (Hemilepidotus spinosus)
Characteristics
Hemilepidotus species share several common characteristics:
- Flattened body: Their body is typically flattened dorsoventrally, giving them a wide, pancake-like shape.
- Large head: They have a large, prominent head with a wide mouth.
- Prominent dorsal fin: Their dorsal fin is long and continuous, often with spines in the front portion.
- Spiny operculum: The bony covering of their gills (operculum) is covered in spines.
- Coloration: Hemilepidotus species vary in coloration, but they often have a mottled or blotched appearance.
Environments
Hemilepidotus species are found in a variety of marine environments, primarily in the northern Pacific Ocean. They typically inhabit:
- Rocky shores: They are often found clinging to rocks or hiding in crevices.
- Kelp forests: Some species live among kelp forests, using them for shelter and food.
- Sandy bottoms: Others prefer sandy bottoms, burying themselves in the sediment.
They are generally found at depths ranging from the intertidal zone to several hundred meters.
References
For more information about Hemilepidotus, you can refer to the following resources: